Tolu Arokodare revealed an unexpected bond with Wout Weghorst ahead of their Eredivisie clash, VoetbalPrimeur reported.
The Ajax striker explained how a gym conversation during a pre-season match in July 2023 forged a lasting connection between the two forwards.
Ajax sits second in the league table with 24 points from 11 matches, while FC Twente occupies fourth place with 23 points. Both players enter Sunday’s fixture at De Grolsch Veste in strong scoring form across domestic and European competitions.
The relationship began when KRC Genk played a friendly against Burnley, where Arokodare first encountered the Dutch striker. Impressed by Weghorst’s work rate during his time at Manchester United, the forward sought him out afterward to discuss defensive pressing. Voetbalzone noted that Arokodare asked how Weghorst maintained such high energy and endurance on the pitch.
“He said that he had already had that since he was a child, but that you can also work on it.”
Their communication continued via Instagram, leading to consultations about career moves. Before choosing Ajax, Arokodare checked in with Weghorst about potential moves, including Turkish club Trabzonspor. FCUpdate.nl reported that Weghorst offered exclusively positive feedback regarding the Amsterdam club.
AjaxLife reported that Arokodare joins the squad on a loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers featuring a 20 million euro purchase option. The striker recently scored twice in a 6-1 UEFA Conference League victory over FC Midtjylland, bringing his seasonal tally to 12 goals in 16 official appearances.
Sunday afternoon brings the two friends together on opposite sides in Enschede under referee Joey Kooij, with Dennis Higler acting as VAR. Arokodare praised his opponent’s current output but joked about his recent scoring streak. “I hope he keeps scoring, but he has to calm down a bit. “He can continue scoring after Sunday, on Sunday he has to go on vacation.”
FC Twente comes off a 3-1 European win against Pafos FC where Weghorst played the full ninety minutes. In domestic play, Weghorst has netted eight goals and provided two assists across 11 league appearances for the Tukkers.
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